LOCAL NEWS

According to a news release from the Paintsville Police Dept. in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 17, Officer Zach Stapleton while on routine patrol, observed a subject operating a motorcycle who was wanted on indictment Warrants. Officer Stapleton witnessed the subject, identified as 41 year-old Toby Akers of Martin, Ky, go into Room 120 of the Days Inn in Paintsville. Officer Stapleton called for backup, upon which Sgt. Jonathan Holbrook and Deputy Jesse Mullins with the Johnson Co. Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene. The Officers knocked on the door and was met by an unidentified man. Officer Stapleton, Sgt. Holbrook and Deputy Mullins could see Drug Paraphernalia in the room. They ask the man for consent to search the room, which he agreed. Once inside the room, Officers located another subject, identified as 61 year-old Hank Pelphrey of Langley, Ky sitting on the bed. The original subject (Akers) that Officer Stapleton witnessed enter the room had locked himself in the bathroom. Officers demanded Akers open the door, but he refused, so Officers busted into the bathroom and after a brief struggle, forcible removed Akers. Inside the bathroom, Officers found a large amount of drugs, later determined to be 1000 grams of a Crystal Substance/Methamphetamine with a street value between $75,000 and $100,000.

Officers placed both Toby Akers and Hank Pelphrey under arrest for having warrants. Akers was also charged with Resisting Arrest, Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possess, Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Deg/1st Off. Pelphrey was additionally charged with Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possess, Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Deg/1st Off, Operating a Vehicle under the Influence Alcohol/Drugs/etc 1st Off. As well as other charges pending. Both men were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. The other unidentified man was not arrested at this time. This case remains under investigation by the Paintsville Police Dept. Assisting at the scene was Officer Zach Stapleton, Sgt. Jonathan Holbrook, Chief Mike Roe and Deputy Jesse Mullins. The Paintsville Police Dept. wants the public to know that if they see any illegal activity and/or suspicious activity, to please call their Office at 606-789-2603. You may remain anonymous.

Five People Arrested on Drug Charges in Magoffin Co

According to the Magoffin Co. Sheriff’s Office, five people were recently arrested on various drug charges after Deputies responded to a residence after receiving a complaint call. Reports indicate that as Deputies arrived at the scene and was talking to some of the people outside the residence, he noticed the front door was open and could see a large amount of pill bottles and uncapped needles lying on the floor. Deputies also indicate that they heard a loud noise coming from the side of the home and upon investigation, Deputies came into contact with Clyde Minix who immediately turned and ran from the officer. A Deputy deploy their Taser to get Minix to stop. Minix was found to have in his possession what appeared to be meth, suboxone and other drugs. While placing Minix in custody Samantha Cantrell was seen jumping out of a window and was found hiding in the weeds. After a search of the residence more drugs and drug paraphernalia was found. A total of five people were placed under arrest for various drug charges. They include:

36-year old Samantha Cantrell of West Liberty 27-year old Clyde Minix 37-year old Rachael Fyffe 49-year old Mollie Minix 39-year old Amanda McKenzie.

All five were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and the Magoffin Co. Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation.

Martin Co. Man Arrested on Attempted Murder Charges

A Martin Co man remains lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center after he was arrested on a warrant for attempted murder out of West Virginia. Reports indicate that Willie Bob McCoy, 35, of Pilgrim, Ky. was arrested on Monday August 7 by Deputy Paul Evans of the Martin Co Sheriff's Department. McCoy is wanted by Mingo Co., W.Va law enforcement official on a charge of attempted murder. Law Enforcement Officials in both Kentucky and West Virginia are refusing to disclose any information about the incident leading to the charge, saying court records will not be made public until after McCoy is officially served with the West Virginia warrant -- a process that could take up to 30 days.

Do Not Use the Free Solar Glasses from Appalachian Wireless

The following is information from Appalachian Wireless... Recently AW distributed a limited number of free solar eclipse viewing glasses in stores throughout the region in an effort to help people enjoy this rare and exciting event. Appalachian Wireless must now recommend that you DO NOT USE the glasses. Please discard them. Appalachian Wireless was led to believe that the glasses were safe for solar eclipse viewing. However, like many others who have sold solar viewing glasses or distributed free glasses, Appalachian Wireless has now learned that the manufacturer cannot provide any documentation to certify compliance with recommended safety standards.

“Appalachian Wireless wanted to take part in the excitement of the eclipse and help people enjoy this rare experience,” said Ashley Litteral, Marketing Manager of Appalachian Wireless. “Our vendor initially led us to believe that the glasses were certified for solar eclipse viewing. As we learned more about the safety risks and asked for proof of compliance, the manufacturer could not provide it.” Viewing the eclipse or the sun without the appropriate eye protection can result in loss of vision or permanent blindness. Your vision and your family’s vision is too important to take any chances. Again, Appalachian Wireless recommends that you DO NOT USE the free glasses that were distributed at its retail stores.

Law Enforcement Searching For Missing Montgomery Co. Inmate

Multiple agencies are searching for an escapee in Mt Sterling after he fled the Montgomery County Detention Center. Police say Wesley Davis is on the run. Davis was arrested in March after a 60-mile chase in a stolen truck. Investigators say Davis and Amanda Johnson stole a truck from a gas station in Mt. Sterling before the pursuit. The couple was also accused in connection to a violent Virginia robbery in which the victim was shot twice. Multiple agencies are in the area of Fogg Pike and Levee road at this time searching for him. Davis is 5-9, 175 pounds, wearing a white shirt and gray pants.

Cross Drain Repairs to Close Section of KY 580 on Thursday

Assuming the weather cooperates, motorists should be aware that KY 580 in Johnson Co will be closed between mile points one and two on Thursday, August 17. Highway District 12’s maintenance crew plans to repair a cross drain that runs underneath the pavement. If the work is rained out, Superintendent Barry Spriggs said it will be moved to the first clear working day. Mile points one to two are just past the intersection of KY 580 with US 460. Work will start at 8 AM and continue all day. Spriggs said that it may take more than eight hours to make the repairs, but he intends to “get the road re-opened before we quit for the day.” Cross drain repairs and replacements involve removing a rectangular section of the pavement in order to access the drain underneath. Spriggs said the crew appreciates everyone’s patience and cooperation. “This will be a work zone, so please stay alert in the area, be prepared to slow down, and observe all signs and flaggers. You will not be able to drive through, so you might want to decide ahead of time a different route to use if you plan to travel in the area on Thursday,” he said. “Remember, if it rains, we will move the work to the next clear working day.”

Johnson Central Grad Earns $50K Engineering Scholarship

Jacub Colvin, a 2017 graduate of Johnson Central High School, has been selected to receive a full scholarship from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to pursue a degree in civil engineering at the University of Kentucky. Established in 1948, the KYTC scholarship has been awarded to more than 1800 exceptional Kentucky students. Currently, the scholarship is worth $51,200.00 for a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Scholarship students are offered the opportunity to work for KYTC during the summer months as well as full-time employment upon graduation. Recipients are chosen based on performance in high school, ACT scores, aptitude in math and science, and interest in engineering as a career.

School Information Concerning Solar Eclipse

* Paintsville Independent Schools will be dismissing classes early on Monday, August 21 due to the Solar Eclipse. Elementary will dismiss classes at 12 PM and Middle/High School will dismiss at 12:15 PM

* Johnson Co. School System will be dismissing classes early on Monday, August 21. All Elementary Schools will be dismissing classes at 11 AM and the Middle and High School will dismiss at 11:30 AM. After school daycare will also be cancelled for the day. Extra-curricular activities at 4:30 PM or after will continue as scheduled.

The Louisa Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred Tuesday evening. According to a Police report, the incident happened at the Water Street Apartment Complex, when a resident says her family was sitting in the living room and someone shot into the apartment. No injuries were reported and no further information has been released. The Police Dept. is asking anyone with information as to who might be involved or seen any suspicious people in the area, please contact the Louisa Police Dept. at 606-638-4058 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You may remain anonymous.

KSP Investigating Death in Powell Co

According to a news release from the KSP, on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at 12:42 AM, Kentucky State Police in Morehead received information about a deceased male at a residence in Stanton KY. Troopers along with Stanton Police Department, Clay City Police Department, Powell Co Coroner, and Powell Co EMS, arrived and discovered the body of an unidentified male subject. Powell Co Coroner pronounced the unidentified male deceased at 3:05 am. Investigators arrested Jeremiah Vaught, age 30, of Stanton Ky. And charged him with one count of tampering with physical evidence (class D felony) and abuse of a corpse (class A misdemeanor). More charges are expected to follow pending an autopsy. The incident remains under investigation by Detective Virgil Rucker.

The trial of a former Prestonsburg Mayor looks like it will be moving forward. Court documents filed on Monday say federal officials believe Jerry Fannin is competent to stand trial based on an evaluation. Attorneys for Fannin say they will file an exception within the next 14 days. They claim he struggles to communicate at times because he suffered a series of strokes. A grand jury indicted Fannin for misusing thousands of dollars of city funds. Fannin suffered two strokes last year and family members said he is having a difficult time.Fannin stayed at a federal medical facility in Lexington for 45 days for observation. Allyson Wood, a doctor of psychology, argued Fannin was competent to testify. She said she does not believe test results were consistent with observations. The judge in the case said he will consider all arguments. Officials said the judge will make a decision within the next couple of weeks. The judge has not set a court date in the case.

Doctor that Helped Atty. Eric Conn Loses Bid for New Trial

According to The Lexington Herald, a Pikeville psychologist recently tried to hang himself after he was convicted of conspiring with disability attorney Eric C. Conn to defraud the Social Security Administration of millions of dollars. A federal prosecutor cited the unsuccessful suicide attempt in arguing that Dr. Alfred Bradley Adkins should not be released on bond pending sentencing. Earlier this week U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves denied Adkins’ request to be released and denied a request from Adkins to be acquitted or given a new trial.

Adkins was charged along with with Conn and David B. Daugherty, a former administrative law judge, with taking part in the largest effort to defraud Social Security in the history of the program. Adkins was charged with signing false mental-impairment evaluations for Conn to use in claims. A jury convicted Adkins on June 12, 2017 of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and making a false statement in a record submitted to Social Security. Later, the U.S. Marshals Service notified Reeves that Adkins had tried to hang himself in a holding cell at the federal courthouse in Lexington. Adkins’ attorney requested a mental evaluation for Adkins, saying there is reason to believe he may be suffering from a mental disease that will make him unable to prepare for his sentencing. Adkins faces up to 65 years in prison.

Kentucky Governor against Removing Confederate Symbols

Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin released a statement Tuesday that says he "absolutely" disagrees with removing Confederate symbols and monuments from government property, calling it the "sanitization of history." Bevin told WVHU radio host Tom Roten that removing such symbols would be "dangerous" because it would encourage people to "pretend it didn't happen."

School Information Concerning Mnday's Solar Eclipse

* In a press release from The Johnson Co. School System, after much discussion concerning safety and in the best interest of our students due to the dangers of exposure to the eyes, Johnson Co. Schools will be dismissing classes early on Monday, August 21 during the upcoming solar eclipse. All Elementary Schools will be dismissing classes at 11 AM and the Middle and High School will dismiss at 11:30 AM. After school daycare will also be cancelled for the day. Extra-curricular activities at 4:30 PM or after will continue as scheduled.

* Floyd Co Schools have also announced they will be dismissing early on Monday, August 21. According to a news release, the school purchased glasses for students and staff to view the eclipse, but later determined that they couldn't verify the glasses were safe to use. Allen Elementary, Betsy Layne Elementary, Duff-Allen Central Elementary, May Valley Elementary, Prestonsburg Elementary, South Floyd Elementary and Stumbo Elementary will dismiss classes at 11 AM. Adams Middle School, Betsy Layne High School, Floyd Central High School, Renaissance Learning Center and Prestonsburg High School will dismiss classes at 11:15 AM.

* Martin Co. Schools have Cancelled Classes on Monday, August 21, due to the solar eclipse however, staff will be working.

* Lawrence Co Schools have Cancelled Classes on Monday, August 21, this will be a Flexible PD Day for Teachers & Staff.

The Johnson Co. Fiscal Court also met in regular session on Monday, 8-14-2017 @ 4:30 PM in the meeting room of the Johnson Co. Courthouse in downtown Paintsville. The meeting began in normal fashion with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, the approval of the minutes from the special called meeting of July 17 and special called meeting of August 4 (Bid Opening for Denver Branch Bridge). The court also approval to pay the monthly bills as presented and approved the monthly transfer of $40,000 from the General Fund to the Jail Fund. Items commissioners approved on the night were:

* Approved a request from John David Preston, who had filed a petition on behalf of the Auxier Cemeteries Committee, to remove and relocate three graves. Samuel L. Auxier (d. 12-13-1883), Agnes Wells Auxier (d. 5-3-1908) and their daughter Nancy Ann Auxier (d. in 1850). These graves are located at Hager Hill across Hwy. 321 across from Blockhouse Bottom and in recent years, the cemetery has fallen in disrepair and has not been maintained because of location. Request was made to move them to a cemetery located on private property by the Airport on Hwy 321.

* Approved a resolution to create and establish the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority with the purpose to maintain and promote a recreational trail system throughout the KMRA to increase economic development, tourism and outdoor recreation for residents and visitors.

* Approved a request from members of the Trail Town Committee to pressure wash and repaint the old jail in downtown Paintsville next to the Courthouse, as long as each volunteer on the committee signs a waiver stating they are at least 18 years of age. This is for the outside only. In the future a Marble slab, donated by the owner of Lakeside Cemetery, that will have a brief History of the jail, including information when Country Music Singer Tom T. Hall spent time at the jail. It will also include the name Harold Sparks, who for years had the Salvation Army inside the jail.

* The court also heard from Julie Bush, Director of the Johnson Co. Health Dept. Mrs. Bush presented the court a request for the creation of a Syringe Access Exchange Program in Johnson Co. Judge Daniel and the Commissioners were hesitant to approve that request at this time, saying they have to many questions about the program and that the public, as well as themselves, needed more information about how the program would work and how successful other counties and cities have been. It was decided that a public meeting would take place in the near future with the Health Dept., the County and the residents of Johnson Co.

With nothing further to discuss, the meeting adjourned.

Minutes from Paintsville City Council Meeting Monday (8-14-2017)

The Paintsville City Council met in regular session on Monday 8-14-2017 at the Paintsville Recreation Center. The meeting got underway with the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting of 7-10-2017 and a special called meeting from 7-24-2017. City Council members also approved the monthly department reports from the Police, F.D. Ambulance, 911, Emergency Management, Utilities and the Treasurer and they also approved to pay the monthly bills as presented. Items approved on the night by Council Members include:

* The 2nd Reading for an Ordinance regulating the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages

* Approved a resolution adopting and approving execution of municipal aid co-op program, which is for requesting blacktop money.

* Approved an agreement and resolution from the Transportation Cabinet, Dept. of Highways and City of Paintsville to resurface Main Street.

* Also Council Member Justin Lewandoski announced his resignation from the City Council, effective immediately.

With nothing further to discuss, the meeting adjourned.

Man Arrested in Connection with Shooting of Pike Co. H.S. Football Coach

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting of current Phelps H.S. Football coach and former Belfry/University of Kentucky player David Jones. According to reports, Dennis Paige Jr. is charged with malicious wounding, a felony charge in West Virginia. He surrendered to police Monday and pleaded not guilty. Jones was injured in the shooting in late July. According to a police report, Jones was shot in the stomach at his home in Red Jacket, West Virginia. Jones spent a week in the Hospital, but is back home and recovering.

Pike Co Man Sentenced on Election Fraud Charges

A former private investigator out of Pikeville was sentenced Monday on charges of election fraud. Reports indicate that Keith Justice, 51, pleaded guilty in Franklin Circuit Court Monday to four counts of attempting to intimidate an election officer, and one count of attempting to interfere with an election. Under the terms of a plea agreement with Attorney General Andy Beshear’s Office of Special Prosecutions, Justice was sentenced to 30 days home incarceration, ordered to pay a $500 fine and to surrender his private investigator’s license for a year. The charges are in connection with the May 2016 statewide Primary Election in which Justice, at the time a licensed private investigator, came into the Phelps precinct in Pike Co. and showed a badge, stating he was investigating election fraud.Beshear said Justice then directed the workers to give written and audio recorded statements before collecting a copy of the precinct sheriff’s report, none of which the precinct workers said they would have done had they known he was not a law enforcement officer.

PSC to Hold Public Meeting in Martin Co Concerning Water Woes

The Kentucky Public Service Commission will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 29 in Inez to hear from customers of the Martin Co Water District regarding the PSC’s investigation of the utility. “This meeting will give the public an opportunity to learn more about state jurisdiction over water districts and to voice their concerns directly to members of the Commission,” PSC Vice Chairman Robert Cicero said in a news release. The meeting will be at the Roy Collier Community Center, 387 East Main Street in Inez and will begin at 5:30 PM with an information session during which staff from the PSC and the Kentucky Division of Water will explain each agency’s regulatory authority over water districts. The PSC presentation also will provide an overview of the current PSC investigation into Martin Co Water District. It will be followed by a period for questions and answers. The public comment period will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Persons wishing to submit written comments may do so at the meeting. Written comments also may be mailed to the PSC at P.O. Box 615, Frankfort, KY 40602, faxed to 502-564-3460 or e-mailed from the PSC website, psc.ky.gov. Martin Co Water District’s commissioners and managers have been ordered by the PSC to attend the public meeting in order to listen to the public comments. The district will not be making a presentation at the meeting. However, the Martin Co Water District will be asked to respond to concerns raised by the public when it appears before the PSC at the next evidentiary hearing in the case. That hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Sept. 13 at the PSC offices in Frankfort.

The PSC opened the investigation into the operational capacity of Martin County Water District in April 2016. In its order establishing the case, the PSC cited a number of factors. The issues raised by the PSC include excessive water loss, which at times has exceeded 60 percent – more than four times the amount considered acceptable. The PSC also noted that Martin County Water District has failed to complete many corrective measures identified in a 2008 management audit stemming from a 2007 PSC investigation. Thus far, the PSC has conducted two formal hearings in the matter, in February and June of this year, and has continued to gather information from Martin County Water District. The Sept. 13 evidentiary hearing may be viewed live on the PSC website. A video of the public meeting will be posted on the website. Videos of the previous hearings and documents filed in the case also are available on the PSC website. The case number is 2016-00142.

School Information

* Paintsville Independent Schools, New Hope Christian Academy and Our Lady of the Mtn. School will all begin classes on Today (Tuesday, August 15).We urge everyone to Please be aware of your surroundings in the morning and afternoon hours as school buses will be traveling on the roads. Please slowdown in ALL school zones and adhere to the rules while following behind or near a school bus. Make this a safe start to the 2017/2018 school year.

* In a press release from The Johnson Co. School System, after much discussion concerning safety and in the best interest of our students due to the dangers of exposure to the eyes, Johnson Co. Schools will be dismissing classes early on Monday, August 21 during the upcoming solar eclipse. All Elementary Schools will be dismissing classes at 11 AM and the Middle and High School will dismiss at 11:30 AM. After school daycare will also be cancelled for the day. Extra-curricular activities at 4:30 PM or after will continue as scheduled. For our region, the solar eclipse is scheduled to begin at 1:05 PM and will run to 3:58 PM. Normally students would be on the buses at this time and we (the school system) would have no way to prevent children to looking at the eclipse without the proper eye protection possibly resulting in blindness or severe damage to the eyes. This early dismissal will also allow parents to make plans for an educational opportunity for their children together.